Measurements of the effects of thickness on vortex breakdown position on a series of sharp-edged delta wings

Abstract

Measurements have been made of vortex breakdown position on a series of symmetrical delta wings of 70 degrees sweep angle but differing thickness distribution using a schlieren system to detect the breakdown. The results demonstrate that the angles of incidence necessary to achieve a given position of breakdown over the wing can differ by at least as much as 5 degrees from a thin wing to a wing of 8% thickness-chord ratio. The tests also show the breakdown position to have a weak dependence on Reynolds number.